Folding music stand and carrying case therefor

ABSTRACT

A portable carrying case which when closed serves to store an attached music stand and when partly open provides a base. It comprises upper and lower boxlike sections hinged together. Each secton constitutes a tray. The lower section provides a selfstanding base and stores a hinged leg which, in turn, serves as a prop and holds the sections a part. The adjustable music stand is integrally mounted on a handle-equipped yoke which is pivoted on paired adapter brackets carried by a median forward part of the openable and closable upper or cover section.

United States Patent DooaldlLlalser Rte. 6, Box :80, Olympia, Wash. 98501 211 AppLNo. 10,444

22 Filed Feb-11.1970

[4s Patented 11. 4.1911

[72] Inventor [54] FOLDING MUSIC STAND AND CARRYING CASE THEREFOR 10 China, 8 Drawhg Figs.

[52] US. CL 248/461 [5 I 1 In. A471: 97/06 [50] Field Search 248/461;

[$6] Retereoees Cled UNITED STATES PATENTS 1,364,169 1/1921 Woltf 248/461 2,046,134 6/1936 Ryang 2,156,489 5/1939 Bonetti Primary ExaminerWilliam H. Schultz Attorneys-Clarence A. O'Brien and Harvey B. Jacobson ABSTRACT: A portable carrying case which when closed serves to store an attached music stand and when partly open provides a base. It comprises upper and lower boxlike sections hinged together. Each secton constitutes a tray. The lower section provides a self-standing base and stores a hinged leg which, in turn, serves as a prop and holds the sections a pan. The adjustable music stand is integrally mounted on a handleequipped yoke which is pivoted on paired adapter brackets carried by a median forward part of the openable and closable upper or cover section.

Patented Aug. 3, 1971 3,596,866

2 Sheets-Sheet 1 Donald E. Baker INVENTOR.

WWW-1%? Patented Aug. 3, 1971 2 Sheets-Sheet 2 Donald B. Baker I Allomqs FOLDING MUSIC STAND AND CARRYING CASE THEREFOR The present invention relates to certain new and useful improvements in a portable folding music stand and carrying case therefor and has to do with an adaptation which, broadly stated, is characterized by a sectional case which functions as a base and also as a carrying case. A vertically extensible and retractable music stand is foldably but operatively connected with the upper section of the case, and a prop is carried by the lower section and serves to spread the sections apart when the music stand is readied for use.

More specifically stated, the case comprises upper and lower hingedly joined boxlike half-sections, the lower half-section being provided with a hingedly mounted leg which functions as a prop and spreads the sections apart in divergent relationship, and a music stand which is similar to music stands currently being used by musicians but is unique in that it is employed as a component part of the overall structure.

An object of the invention, generally stated, is to provide a stand and case combination of the character above set forth wherein the music stand is adjustable for height and angle, is retractable and foldable, when not in use into the upper traylike or cover section, the leg or prop being so constructed and arranged that it well serves the purposes for which it is capable of being utilized and coordinates with the other parts in providing a simple, practical and compact stand and case combination.

Briefly, the concept has to do with a carrying and storing case which is unique in that the lower boxlike section provides a self-standing base, the receptacle portion thereof serving to receive and store the prop or leg when the latter is collapsed and folded to assume an out-of-the-way position. The upper or top section has a rear depending wall which is hingedly connected to an upstanding rear wail of the lower section. This section also provides a tray and functions as a cover. When it is down it is aligned with the lower section and the shallow traylike portion thereof serves to receive and store the music stand, that is, the standard and also the complemental rack. The lower end of the standard when in use is joined to a bight portion of a pivotally mounted U-shaped yoke. The yoke is bracketed in place on the forward median portion of the upper or cover section. The yoke is also provided with a carrying handle. The yoke is freely pivoted to swing from an in-use position to an out-of-use position at which time it permits the music stand to be compactly folded to an out-ofithe-way position and brings the then accessible handle or handgrip into play.

These together with other objects and advantages which become subsequently apparent reside in the details of construction and operation as more fully hereinafter described and claimed, reference being had to the accompanying drawings forming a part hereof, wherein like numerals refer to like parts throughout, and in which:

FIG. 1 is a view in perspective showing the improved folding music stand and carrying case and showing, more significantly, how the sections of the case are propped apart to assume an open position and how the then accessible music stand is erected for adjustment as to height and angle. FIG. 2 is a view in perspective similar to FIG. 1 with the component parts in the same position and relationship but observing the structure in a direction from right to left.

FIG. 3 is likewise a view in perspective which shows the two sections of the case spread out into coplanar relationship with the leg folded and stored in the lower section and the music stand folded and stored in the upper section.

FIG. 4 is an enlarged view with parts in section and elevation taken approximately on the plane of the section line 4-4 of FIG. 2, looking in the direction of the indicating arrows.

FIGS. 5 and 6 are horizontal detail cross sections taken on the lines 55 and 6-6 respectively, of FIG. 1.

FIG. 7 is an enlarged fragmentary perspective view of the upper bifurcated end portion of the aforementioned leg or prop.

FIG. 8 is a view in perspective on a suitably enlarged scale showing the sections of the case closed and fastened with the stand and prop stored and concealed and with the handle in a convenient carrying position.

With reference first to that part of the overall structure which constitutes the storing and carrying case the component parts can be made from any appropriate lightweight material. The lower boxlike section is denoted by the numeral 10 and the companion as well as complemental upper half -section is denoted by the numeral 12. The two sections are approximately the same in construction and shape. Accordingly, then these sections can be symmetrically mated and opened and closed to achieve the result evident from the illustrative views of the drawings. The bottom panel or wall of the lower section 10 is denoted by the numeral 14 and is primarily rectangular in plan. This overall panel is substantially flat and provides a self-standing base'when used in the manner shown best in FIGS. 1 2 and 4. One marginal wall, which is here referred to as the rearward wall, is denoted at 16 and it is cooperatively aligned with a similar rearward depending wall 18 carried by the panel portion 20 of the upper half-section 12. These walls are commensurate in length and shape and size and adjacent edge portions thereof are hingedly joined together as at 22 to permit the sections to be opened and closed as shown. The respective sections are provided with transverse end walls which are designated at 24. The forward or front walls are denoted on both sections at 26. The median portion of each front wall is provided with a truncated triangulate extension. The bottom extension is denoted at 28 and has a truncated open end 30 as shown in FIG. 3. The similarly constructed and performing triangulate truncated centralized or median extension on the upper half-section is distinctively denoted by the numeral 32 and it likewise has an open or truncated apical end 34. Both sections are thus capable of being lined up and swung together in closed relation as shown in FIG. 8 or swung apart to assume either the divergent angular position illustrated in FIGS. 1,2 and 4 or the coplanar position shown in FIG. 3. The generally rectangular part of the lower half-section 10 provides a shallow tray or receiver 36. This tray in conjunction with the truncated extension 28 serves as a support for the aforementioned prop, more particularly a rigid leg 38 of requisite length and cross section. The lower end 40 of the leg I is riveted to one leaf 42 of a hinge. The other shorter leaf 44 is bolted or otherwise fastened in the truncated end portion of the extension 28 as evident, particularly FIGS. 1, 3 and 4. The upper end portion 46 of the leg is bifurcated to provide a pair of furcations 48. There is also a notch 50 thus provided and the lower end of the notch (FIG. 7) is suitably recessed as at 52. This structure or arrangement of features will be brought out as the description proceeds. In any event it will be seen that the thus hinged prop or leg can be folded to the collapsed or down position as shown in FIG. 3 wherein it is then stored in the receptacle portion of the tray 36. It can also be extended to the up prop forming position as brought out in FIGS. 1, 2 and 4 in particular.

With more particular reference now to the upper or cover section it will be evident that the receiver or tray portion is denoted at 54. The converging side walls of the extension 32 are provided with strap members which are here designated as adapter brackets 56. One end portion of each strap, that is the portion 58, is superimposed on the adjacent wall and is riveted or otherwise fastened thereto as denoted at 62. These brackets serve as an ideal means to accommodatingly position the mount for the music stand. More specifically this mount comprises a substantially U-shaped yoke 64 the bight portion of which is denoted at 66 and the arms or limbs at 68. These I limbs are positioned between the end portions 62 of the bracket and serve to accommodate a sleeve 70. The sleeve serves to accommodatea bolt 72 which is passed through the end portions 62 of the'brackets and also through the bore of the sleeve and apertures in the limbs 68 thus providing a freely swingable and properly usable yoke. The sleeve provides the aforementioned handgrip, that is the handle 70.

The music stand itself is not unlike music stands which are in common use today. The standard portion of the overall stand is denoted by the numeral 74. More specifically it comrises a lower tube 76 the lower end portion 78 of which is welded or otherwise fixed to the bight portion of the yoke. A second smaller tube 80 is fitted telescopingly in the tube 76 and serves to accommodate a rod 82 which is provided on its upper end with a serrated head 84. Appropriate clamping collars for the tube and rod sections are shown at 86 and as brought out in FIG. have end portions 88 secured together by clamping or setscrews 90. The head or rack which is angularly adjustable comprises an appropriately shaped backing plate 92 which is provided with a centrally notched flange 94. The notched portion of the flange is provided with L-shaped clips 96 which straddle the serrated head and which are secured by a thumb nut 98. It follows that the standard 76 is an integral part of the yoke and the yoke is pivoted between the brackets to achieve the desired compact and convenient opening and closing result. it is evident too that the rack can be angularly adjusted and clamped relative to the standard.

With reference again to the yoke 68 it will be evident that a portion thereof is provided with a struckup car 95 which in turn is provided with a stud 97 to accommodate a thumb nut 99. The stud and nut means cooperate with the aforementioned bifurcated and recessed upper end 46 of the aforementioned prop whereby to permit the prop to be elevated and secured in place to hold the yoke and the stand in an erected position. When thus erected the stand can be adjusted either up or down depending on the height desired. Also the stand can be collapsed and the entire assembly, that is the stand and yoke can be folded to fit with requisite nicety within the confines of the receptible portion of the upper case section 12.

It is believed that the construction of the sectional case is clear from the description and views of the drawing. Likewise it is believed that the construction and arrangement and positioning of the music stand is substantially self-evident. This is to say the stand is shown in its erected, adjustable and readyto-use position in FIGS. 1 and 2 as well as 4. The folded position of the leg and stand is clearly brought out in FIG. 3 wherein the case sections are then swung open into coplanar relationship. The manner in which the case is readied for carrying is brought out in FIG. 8 in particular and it will be noted in this connection that appropriate trunk fasteners 100 are provided at appropriate points to secure the sections together and in which position the yoke is so arranged that the handle 70 is convenient for carrying purposes.

The foregoing is considered at illustrative only of the principles of the invention. Further, since numerous modifications and changes will readily occur to those skilled in the art, it is not desired to limit the invention to the exact construction and operation shown and described, and accordingly all suitable modifications and equivalents may be resorted to, falling within the scope of the invention.

What I claim as new is as follows:

I. A portable stand and a complemental carrying case comprising, in combination, a folding music stand embodying an extensible and retractable height adjusting standard having upper and lower ends, a rack having a backing plate provided with a flange providing a sheet music positioning and supporting ledge, angling means adjustably connecting the flanged portion of each plate with the upper end of said standard, a storing case for said music stand, said carrying case comprising a lower half-section providing a self-standing base, an upper half-section complemental to said lower half-section and providing a cover for said lower half-section, and an operating and pivotal connection between the lower end of said standard and a forward end portion of said upper half-section permitting said stand to assume (1) an upright ready-touse position or (2) a collapsed out-of-use position when folded and stored within the confines of the closed carrying case.

2. The portable stand and carrying case combination defined in and according to claim 1, and, in combination, a

foldaway prop comprising a leg having a lower end pivotally connected to said lower half-section, and adapted to assume an upstanding position when in use and a folded position within the confines of said lower half-section when not in use.

3. The portable stand and carrying case defined in and according to claim 2 and wherein each half-section is of hollow boxlike form and embodies a main wall marginally encompassed by front, back and end walls and providing individual top and bottom trays, the receptacle portion of the bottom tray functioning to store the pivoted in-folding leg, and the receptacle portion of the top tray serving to receive and compactly store the overall in-folded music stand.

4. The portable stand and carrying case defined in and according to claim 3, and wherein the front wall of each half-section is centrally provided with a forwardly projecting hollow truncated extension, said extensions being of reduced transverse cross-sectional dimension and registering with each other when the upper and lower half-sections are folded together in aligned overlapping relation.

5. The portable stand and carrying case defined in and according to claim 1, and wherein said operating connection is characterized by adapter brackets carried by the forward end portion of said upper half-section and a yoke which is orientated with and cradled between the respectively cooperable brackets, the lower end of said standard being fixedly joined to said yoke.

6 The portable stand defined in and according to claim 5, and wherein said yoke is substantially U-shaped and has a bight portion and arm portions, and an accessible carrying handle bridging and operatively rotatably mounted between said arm portions.

7. A portable carrying case and attached foldaway companion music stand comprising in combination a stand storing and supporting case comprising, in combination, a lower halfsection embodying a flat horizontal panel providing a bottom wall and adapted to reside flatwise atop a floor or similar support surface, said panel having marginally mounted forward, rearward and adjoining end walls, the central part of said forward wall having a relatively narrow forwardly projecting truncated extension, a prop comprising a leg having a lower end hingedly mounted in the truncated end portion of said extension, said walled lower half-section providing an upwardly opening tray, said leg being folded and stored, when not in use, in the receptacle portion of said tray, an upper half-section complemental and alignable with said lower half-section. said upper half-section having a panel providing a top wall, said panel being provided with marginal forward, rearward and adjoining end walls, the central part of the forward wall having relatively narrow forwardly projecting truncated extension, the rearward walls of the respective sections being hingedly joined together so that the sections can be folded into overlapping case-forming relationship, said last-named extension being provided with adapter brackets having end portions projecting beyond the truncated end of said extension, a music stand, and means operatively connecting said music stand to the end portions of said brackets.

8. The carrying case and companion music stand defined in and according to claim 7 and wherein said music stand has an extensible and retractable standard, a head forming a rack, said rack adjustably connected to the upper end of said standard, the means joining the lower end of said standard to said brackets comprising a U-shaped yoke, said yoke being pivotally mounted between the coacting end portions of said brackets, the lower end of said standard being rigidly secured to the bight portion of said yoke.

9. The carrying case and companion stand defined in and according to claim 8 and wherein said yoke is provided with an upstanding ear and a stud, the upper end of said prop being detachably connectable with said stud.

10. The carrying case and companion stand defined in and according to claim 8 and wherein said yoke is provided with an upstanding ear and a stud, the upper end of said prop being detachably connectable with said stud, and said yoke being provided with a handgrip. 

1. A portable stand and a complemental carrying case comprising, in combination, a folding music stand embodying an extensible and retractable height adjusting standard having upper and lower ends, a rack having a backing plate provided with a flange providing a sheet music positioning and supporting ledge, angling means adjustably connecting the flanged portion of each plate with the upper end of said standard, a storing case for said music stand, said carrying case comprising a lower half-section providing a self-standing base, an upper half-section complemental to said lower half-section and providing a cover for said lower half-section, and an operating and pivotal connection between the lower end of said standard and a forward end portion of said upper half-section permitting said stand to assume (1) an upright ready-to-use position or (2) a collapsed out-of-use position when folded and stored within the confines of the closed carrying case.
 2. The portable stand and carrying case combination defined in and according to claim 1, and, in combination, a foldaway prop comprising a leg having a lower end pivotally connected to said lower half-section, and adapted to assume an upstanding position when in use and a folded position within the confines of said lower half-section when not in use.
 3. The portable stand and carrying case defined in and according to claim 2 and wherein each half-section is of hollow boxlike form and embodies a main wall marginally encompassed by front, back and end walls and providing individual top and bottom trays, the receptacle portion of the bottom tray functioning to store the pivoted in-folding leg, and the receptacle portion of the top tray serving to receive and compactly store the overall in-folded music stand.
 4. The portable stand and carrying case defined in and according to claim 3, and wherein the front wall of each half-section is centrally provided with a forwardly projecting hollow truncated extension, said extensions being of reduced transverse cross-sectional dimension and registering with each other when the upper and lower half-sections are folded together in aligned overlapping relation.
 5. The portable stand and carrying case defined in and according to claim 1, and wherein said operating connection is characterized by adapter brackets carried by the forward end portion of said upper half-section and a yoke which is orientated with and cradled between the respectively cooperable brackets, the lower end of said standard being fixedly joined to said yoke. 6 The portable stand defined in and according to claim 5, and wherein said yoke is substantially U-shaped and has a bight portion and arm portions, and an accessible carrying handle bridging and operatively rotatably mounted between said arm portions.
 7. A portable carrying case and attached foldaway companion music stand comprising in combination a stand storing and supporting case comprising, in combination, a lower half-section embodying a flat horizontal panel providing a bottom wall and adapted to reside flatwise atop a floor or similar support surface, said panel having marginally mounted forward, rearward and adjoining end walls, the central part of said forwArd wall having a relatively narrow forwardly projecting truncated extension, a prop comprising a leg having a lower end hingedly mounted in the truncated end portion of said extension, said walled lower half-section providing an upwardly opening tray, said leg being folded and stored, when not in use, in the receptacle portion of said tray, an upper half-section complemental and alignable with said lower half-section, said upper half-section having a panel providing a top wall, said panel being provided with marginal forward, rearward and adjoining end walls, the central part of the forward wall having relatively narrow forwardly projecting truncated extension, the rearward walls of the respective sections being hingedly joined together so that the sections can be folded into overlapping case-forming relationship, said last-named extension being provided with adapter brackets having end portions projecting beyond the truncated end of said extension, a music stand, and means operatively connecting said music stand to the end portions of said brackets.
 8. The carrying case and companion music stand defined in and according to claim 7 and wherein said music stand has an extensible and retractable standard, a head forming a rack, said rack adjustably connected to the upper end of said standard, the means joining the lower end of said standard to said brackets comprising a U-shaped yoke, said yoke being pivotally mounted between the coacting end portions of said brackets, the lower end of said standard being rigidly secured to the bight portion of said yoke.
 9. The carrying case and companion stand defined in and according to claim 8 and wherein said yoke is provided with an upstanding ear and a stud, the upper end of said prop being detachably connectable with said stud.
 10. The carrying case and companion stand defined in and according to claim 8 and wherein said yoke is provided with an upstanding ear and a stud, the upper end of said prop being detachably connectable with said stud, and said yoke being provided with a handgrip. 